Recruiting Clearwater (Fla.)'s Countryside High School two years ago netted the Colorado State coaching staff punter Peter Kontodiakos. Now, the Rams are back in the halls of Countryside High School in pursuit of tackle Tyler Pierson.

The 6-foot-4, 280-pound Pierson claims a 300-pound bench press, a 425-pound squat and a 40-yard dash time of 5.3. In the classroom, he holds a 3.5 grade-point average. Last season he was named Honorable Mention All-County for the 9-1 Countryside program.

"Coaches tell me they mostly like my feet," Pierson said. "They say I get off the ball pretty well. They also like my hand placement, I guess."

Pierson said he is looking for a team that is close-knit and is hoping to stay close to home for college, but did not dismiss the two schools who have offered him scholarships - Colorado State and Kansas - as being too far from home to attend. He has yet to set up any visits, choosing to wait until he has an idea of who is interested in him.

"I was going to look at who was showing interest in the spring and see who I wanted to visit," Pierson said. "I looked a little at Colorado State. One of our old players is a punter up there and I talked to him about the school. Pete said it is pretty nice up there."

"I have only called him once and that was two weekends ago," Pierson said. "I need to call him again. He (Stroud) told me it is nice over there and they have a good offensive line coach and they had a player drafted, so that is a big plus."

Pierson said Kansas offered a scholarship but hasn't talked to him very much. Until he hears more, he will get ready for spring football as Countryside looks to improve on last year's 9-1 mark.

"We have a lot of guys returning and a new quarterback," Pierson said. "We have a good defense and the offense should be good too."